Kerewong State Forest
Recreational facilities
Longworth's Tramline
This beautiful short walk follows Upsalls Creek, winding through native forest and plantation. The trail follows the original logging tramline, opened in 1913. The tramline was used to haul timber to the Camden Haven River where it was punted to a mill in Laurieton. Originally, bullocks were used to tow timber trolleys along the tracks, but locomotives were used from 1916 until its closure in 1929. Boronia mollis, a rare shrub unique to the Camden Haven Valley, is found in the area. Swans Crossing picnic and Camping Area is located a short drive away.
Swans Crossing
About a 20 minute drive from Kew (halfway between Taree and Kempsey) is Swans Crossing. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this camping and picnic area in Kerewong State Forest is set on former farmland. The Swan family ran a dairy and beef property on the site for many years, including clearing the forest and establishing grasses for the stock. This continued until 1964 when the area became State forest. The area is now surrounded by regenerated native forest and hardwood plantations. Swimming is also popular in the nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek. Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk is located a short drive away, with other walking trails leading off from the site.
Staying Safe
- Important safety information
- Call '000' in a bushfire emergency (www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au)
- Total Fire Ban and Current Fire Danger Map (www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au)
- Find out more about bushfires (www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au)
- Find out more about emergency services (www.nsw.gov.au)